Pakistan's Imran Khan to cross "Red Zone" on Tuesday

ISLAMABAD, Aug 18(Xinhua) -- An opposition leader in Pakistan announced late Monday that he would lead his marchers into the high security "Red Zone" on Tuesday, and the announcement has raised concerns over a possible confrontation with the law enforcement agencies.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the marchers will be dealt with iron hand if they tried to enter the Red Zone which houses diplomatic missions and key buildings.

The authorities have deployed nearly 35,000 paramilitary troops, police and other forces to protect the sensitive areas.

Khan told his supporters in Islamabad that he will remain at the front of the marchers and will face the police if they tried to block them from moving ahead.